Beetles
Beetles all have hardened wing-cases, under which they fold their wings when at rest. There are more than 4000 species of beetle in Britain, but as many of them are very small they can take some finding. Even when you do find them they can be frustratingly difficult to identify as many species are very similar. The few shown here are fairly common and not too difficult.
Seven-spot Ladybird
The most commonly seen of our native ladybirds. There are many other species with varying colours and numbers of spots.
Harlequin Ladybird
This very variable species arrived from Asia in 2004 and out-competes our native species for their food -aphids. Most harlequins have orange legs.
Red Soldier Beetle
This is the most commonly seen of a number of soldier beetles. They are frequently found on umbellifers.
Thick-legged Flower Beetle
Only the male of this very common and usually bright green beetle has these swollen thighs. Often seen on garden flowers.
Red-headed Cardinal Beetle
The other Cardinal Beetle has a black head but both have these comb-like antennae.
Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle
This yellow beetle has black mottling and relatively short antennae for a longhorn.
Spotted Longhorn Beetle
This fairly large beetle with strong black and yellow markings is a common species of longhorn beetle.
Wasp Beetle
The yellow and black markings are reminiscent of a wasp, hence its common name.
Green Tiger Beetle
A large green beetle that is sometimes seen along the foot of the cliffs at Galley Hill.
Malachite Beetle
This beetle always has a red spot at the rear of its emerald green wing-cases.
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
One of several tortoise beetles that all have this characteristic shape.